Skip to content

UPDATE: Traffic slows along Hwy 7 after truck stalls, witnesses say

Stay connected to The Observer for the latest flooding information
27369039_web1_211203-AHO-Wednesday-Update-Purcell_1
Traffic backs up along the Lougheed Highway in the Harrison Mills area. In addition to mudslides and congestion, some drivers faced down a five-foot pothole that disabled multiple vehicles, according to eyewitnesses. (Photo/Russell Purcell)

UPDATE: 1:25 p.m.

There are reports of stalled westbound traffic on Highway 7 just past Ashton Road, waiting on a stalled semi truck.

Harrison Hot Springs officials told The Observer that the State of Local Emergency is set to expire at midnight on Wednesday and there is no intention to renew. The village and District of Kent both continue to request residents refrain from unnecessary water use to ease pressure on water and wastewater infrastructures during flood conditions.

_________

UPDATE: 12:39 p.m.

DriveBC reports Highway 7 between Green and Lophet Roads has been cleared; the highway was down to one lane of alternating traffic for several hours following a smaller landslide.

UPDATE: 11:02 a.m.

DriveBC reports Highway 7 is open again in both directions between Mission and 1 kilometre east of Hope for essential travel only.

_______

It’s not water under the bridge for Agassiz-Harrison just yet.

Multiple flood-related incidents have confounded travellers along Highway 7 on Wednesday (Dec. 1) morning. A multi-vehicle incident has closed the Lougheed Highway in both directions at Watkins Road seven kilometres west of Agassiz. There is no detour available.

Highway 7 between Green Road and Lophet Road near Seabird Island is limited to single-lane alternating traffic due to an early-morning mudslide.

There have been multiple eyewitness reports of a five-foot pothole in the Harrison Mills area area that has disabled 10 or more vehicles. This hole appeared in the same area where a six-foot boulder crashed onto the pavement in late October.

RELATED: More than two dozen weather warnings in effect across rain-sodden British Columbia

According to DriveBC, from five kilometres west of Agassiz and to just east of Hope, Highway 7 is open for essential travel only. Checkpoints remain in place and travel restrictions are being enforced.

The District of Kent has asked residents to limit non-essential water use due to the pressure the intense rain has placed on the wastewater system. This advisory remains in effect until at least 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Non-essential use can include laundry, the use of dishwashers and excessive flushing of toilets.

Multiple greenways and trails are closed in Harrison Hot Springs due to flooding. Work continues to progress on nearby Rockwell Drive as road crews replace pavement and wrecked culverts as well as repair bridges. Two weeks ago, the 6500 block of the road along Harrison Lake was ordered to evacuate due to flooding and landslides.

Both the District of Kent and Village of Harrison Hot Springs remain under states of local emergency.


@adamEditor18
adam.louis@ ahobserver.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.